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Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Dec 2017Cystic echinoccoccosis is a zoonotic and prevalent disease which causes health problems and economic looses worldwide. The biochemical components of hydatid cyst fluid...
Cystic echinoccoccosis is a zoonotic and prevalent disease which causes health problems and economic looses worldwide. The biochemical components of hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) have important role in metabolism and growth of unilocular hydatid cyst. The aim of the current study was to determine HCF level of enzymes and electrolytes profiles in naturally infected Iranian domestic ruminants. The livers and lungs infected with hydatid cysts were collected and HCF was aspirated from a total of 100 cysts obtained from livers (50 cysts) and lungs (50 cysts) of slaughtered domestic ruminants. Biochemical measurement of HCF was undertaken using colorimetric technique, refractometer, flame photometer, and biuret method. The enzyme levels of HCF were also measured by using appropriate kits. The average HCF level of calcium (Ca) was found to be significant higher in cattle (7.49 ± 1.28 mg/dl) and goats (13.98 ± 5.11 mg/dl) lungs. The average HCF level of phosphorous (P) was significantly higher in cattle livers (0.82 ± 0.02 mg/dl) than other examined animals. Measurement of the average HCF level of magnesium (Mg) was significantly lower in camel lungs (11.8 ± 1.05 mg/dl) than that in cattle livers (10.56 ± 1.73 mg/dl). The highest average HCF levels of Natrium (Na, 122.8 ± 11.91 mEq/l) and Kalium (Ka, 7.18 ± 1.37 mEq/l) were measured in sheep livers. The average HCF level of albumin (Alb) in infected lungs was significantly lower in cattle (0.48 ± 0.01 mg/ml) than camels (0.95 ± 0.05 mg/ml). The average HCF level of total protein (TP) in infected lungs was also lower in sheep (0.51 ± 0.06 mg/dl) than goats (3.21 ± 0.51 mg/dl). The highest average HCF level of creatine phosphokinase (CPK, 1229.25 ± 13.21 U/ml) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, 363.62 ± 10.44 U/ml) were measured in infected lungs of camels. It was concluded that HCF level of enzymes and electrolytes had differences in examined Iranian domestic ruminants which may be used to screen and help in characterization and identification of strains of .
PubMed: 29114148
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0941-3 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2021Optical density (OD) measurement is the gold standard to estimate microbial cell density in aqueous systems. Recording microbial growth curves is essential to assess...
Optical density (OD) measurement is the gold standard to estimate microbial cell density in aqueous systems. Recording microbial growth curves is essential to assess substrate utilization, gauge sensitivity to inhibitors or toxins, or determine the perfect sampling point. Manual sampling for cuvette-photometer-based measurements can cause disturbances and impact growth, especially for strictly anaerobic or thermophilic microbes. For slow growing microbes, manual sampling can cause data gaps that complicate analysis. Online OD measurement systems provide a solution, but are often expensive and ill-suited for applications such as monitoring microbial growth in custom or larger anaerobic vessels. Furthermore, growth measurements of thermophilic cultures are limited by the heat sensitivity of complex electronics. Here, we present two simple, low-cost, self-assembled photometers-a "TubeOD" for online measurement of anaerobic and thermophilic cultures in Hungate tubes and a "ClampOD" that can be attached to virtually any transparent growth vessel. Both OD-meters can be calibrated in minutes. We detail the manufacturing and calibration procedure and demonstrate continuous acquisition of high quality cell density data of a variety of microbes, including strict anaerobes, a thermophile, and gas-utilizing strains in various glassware. When calibrated and operated within their detection limits (ca. 0.3-90% of the photosensor voltage range), these self-build OD-meters can be used for continuous measurement of microbial growth in a variety of applications, thereby, simplifying and enhancing everyday lab operations.
PubMed: 35095803
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.790576 -
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2023Haemolysis - one of the major limiting factors of red cell concentrate quality - must be measured as a quality-monitoring requirement. According to international quality...
BACKGROUND
Haemolysis - one of the major limiting factors of red cell concentrate quality - must be measured as a quality-monitoring requirement. According to international quality standards, percentage haemolysis must be monitored in 1.0% of red cell concentrates produced monthly and maintained under 0.8%.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed three alternative methods for determining plasma haemoglobin concentration in peripheral blood banks that lack a plasma or low haemoglobin photometer - the gold-standard method - in Sri Lanka.
METHODS
A standard haemolysate was prepared using an unexpired whole blood pack of normal haemoglobin concentration. A concentration series from 0.1 g/dL to 1.0 g/dL was prepared by diluting portions of standard haemolysate with saline. The alternative methods, namely visual haemoglobin colour scale, spectrophotometric calibration graph, and standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison, were designed using this concentration series and were used to test red cell concentrates received at the Quality Control Department of the National Blood Center, Sri Lanka, from February 2021 to May 2021.
RESULTS
A strong correlation was observed between the haemoglobin photometer method and the alternative methods ( = ~0.9). Based on the linear regression model, the standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison method was the best of the three alternative methods ( = 0.974).
CONCLUSION
All three alternative methods are recommended for use in peripheral blood banks. The standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison method was the best model.
PubMed: 36873291
DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v12i1.1987 -
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental... Jun 2021This comprehensive review introduces occupational (industrial) hygienists and toxicologists to the seven basic additive manufacturing (AM) process categories. Forty-six...
This comprehensive review introduces occupational (industrial) hygienists and toxicologists to the seven basic additive manufacturing (AM) process categories. Forty-six articles were identified that reported real-world measurements for all AM processes, except sheet lamination. Particles released from powder bed fusion (PBF), material jetting (MJ), material extrusion (ME), and directed energy deposition (DED) processes exhibited nanoscale to submicron scale; real-time particle number (mobility sizers, condensation nuclei counters, miniDiSC, electrical diffusion batteries) and surface area monitors (diffusion chargers) were generally sufficient for these processes. Binder jetting (BJ) machines released particles up to 8.5 µm; optical particle sizers (number) and laser scattering photometers (mass) were sufficient for this process. PBF and DED processes (powdered metallic feedstocks) released particles that contained respiratory irritants (chromium, molybdenum), central nervous system toxicants (manganese), and carcinogens (nickel). All process categories, except those that use metallic feedstocks, released organic gases, including (but not limited to), respiratory irritants (toluene, xylenes), asthmagens (methyl methacrylate, styrene), and carcinogens (benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde). Real-time photoionization detectors for total volatile organics provided useful information for processes that utilize polymer feedstock materials. More research is needed to understand 1) facility-, machine-, and feedstock-related factors that influence emissions and exposures, 2) dermal exposure and biological burden, and 3) task-based exposures. Harmonized emissions monitoring and exposure assessment approaches are needed to facilitate inter-comparison of study results. Improved understanding of AM process emissions and exposures is needed for hygienists to ensure appropriate health and safety conditions for workers and for toxicologists to design experimental protocols that accurately mimic real-world exposure conditions. ABS : acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; ACGIH® TLV® : American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value; ACH : air change per hour; AM : additive manufacturing; ASA : acrylonitrile styrene acrylate; AVP : acetone vapor polishing; BJ : binder jetting; CAM-LEM : computer-aided manufacturing of laminated engineering materials; CNF : carbon nanofiber; CNT : carbon nanotube; CP : co-polyester; CNC : condensation nuclei counter; CVP : chloroform vapor polishing; DED : directed energy deposition; DLP : digital light processing; EBM : electron beam melting; EELS : electron energy loss spectrometry; EDB : electrical diffusion batteries; EDX : energy dispersive x-ray analyzer; ER : emission rate; FDM™ : fused deposition modeling; FFF : fused filament fabrication; IAQ : indoor air quality; LSP : laser scattering photometer; LCD : liquid crystal display; LDSA : lung deposited particle surface area; LOD : limit of detection; LOM : laminated object manufacturing; LOQ : limit of quantitation; MCE : mixed cellulose ester filter; ME : material extrusion; MJ : material jetting; OEL : occupational exposure limit; OPS : optical particle sizer; PBF : powder bed fusion; PBZ : personal breathing zone; PC : polycarbonate; PEEK : poly ether ether ketone; PET : polyethylene terephthalate; PETG : Polyethylene terephthalate glycol; PID : photoionization detector; PLA : polylactic acid; PM : particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 1 µm; PM : particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm; PM : particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm; PSL : plastic sheet lamination; PVA : polyvinyl alcohol; REL : recommended exposure limit; SDL : selective deposition lamination; SDS : safety data sheet; SEM : scanning electron microscopy; SL : sheet lamination; SLA : stereolithography; SLM : selective laser melting; SMPS : scanning mobility particle sizer; SVOC : semi-volatile organic compound; TEM : transmission electron microscopy; TGA : thermal gravimetric analysis; TPU : thermo polyurethane; UAM : ultrasonic additive manufacturing; UC : ultrasonic consolidation; TVOC : total volatile organic compounds; TWA : time-weighted average; VOC : volatile organic compound; VP : vat photopolymerization.
PubMed: 34139957
DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2021.1936319 -
Optics Express Feb 2023In order to increase the optical path and related sensitivity of photometers, multiple axial-reflection of parallel light-beam inside a capillary cavity is one of the...
In order to increase the optical path and related sensitivity of photometers, multiple axial-reflection of parallel light-beam inside a capillary cavity is one of the most effective ways. However, there is a non-optimum trade-off between optical path and light intensity, e.g., smaller aperture on cavity mirror can increase multiple axial-reflection times (i.e., longer optical path) due to the lower cavity-loss, but it would also reduce coupling efficiency, light intensity, and related signal-to-noise ratio. Herein, an optical beam shaper, which is composed of two optical lenses with an apertured mirror, was proposed to focus the light beam (i.e., increasing coupling efficiency) without deteriorating beam parallelism and related multiple axial-reflection. Thus, by combining the optical beam shaper with a capillary cavity, large optical path enhancement (10-fold of capillary length) and high coupling efficiency (>65%) can be realized simultaneously, where the coupling efficiency was improved 50-fold. An optical beam shaper photometer (with a 7 cm long capillary) was fabricated and applied to detect water in ethanol with a detection limit of 12.5 ppm, which is 800-fold and 32∼80 fold lower than that of the commercial spectrometer (1 cm cuvette) and previous reports, respectively.
PubMed: 36859917
DOI: 10.1364/OE.478937 -
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial... 2017Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a precancerous condition, is highly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Among many trace elements, copper and iron are required for the...
INTRODUCTION
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a precancerous condition, is highly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Among many trace elements, copper and iron are required for the functioning of numerous enzymes. The biochemical alterations of these trace elements in the serum of patients with premalignant conditions can help in determining the staging of the disease, its appropriate treatment and as an indicator for prognosis.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of iron and copper as well as to identify the better predictor of the two in the diagnosis and progression of OSMF.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study sample consisted of 150 patients, out of which the cases group consisting of 100 OSMF patients and control group consisting of 50 individuals. All the cases were confirmed of having OSMF by histopathological examination. The blood sample was obtained from all 150 patients and evaluated by digital autoanalyzer photometer for serum level of copper and iron by the colorimetric method. The results obtained for cases and controls were compared by statistical analysis.
RESULTS
The mean serum copper level increases while the mean serum iron level decreases with the advancement in the severity of clinical and histological stages of OSMF.
CONCLUSION
Biopsy is the gold standard to diagnose OSMF, but it is an invasive and time-consuming technique. However, nowadays, many recent advances are used to diagnose OSMF at an early stage and reduce its progression into late and reversible stages. The trace elements serve as potential prognostic and diagnostic markers for OSMF patients.
PubMed: 29391727
DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_106_14 -
Journal of Occupational and... 2015Because nanomaterials are thought to be more biologically active than their larger parent compounds, careful control of exposures to nanomaterials is recommended. Field...
Because nanomaterials are thought to be more biologically active than their larger parent compounds, careful control of exposures to nanomaterials is recommended. Field studies were conducted at three sites to develop information about the effectiveness of control measures including process changes, a downflow room, a ventilated enclosure, and an enclosed reactor. Aerosol mass and number concentrations were measured during specific operations with a photometer and an electrical mobility particle sizer to provide concentration measurements across a broad range of sizes (from 5.6 nm to 30 μm). At site A, the dust exposure and during product harvesting was eliminated by implementing a wait time of 30 -min following process completion. And, the dust exposure attributed to process tank cleaning was reduced from 0.7 to 0.2 mg/m3 by operating the available process ventilation during this task. At site B, a ventilated enclosure was used to control dust generated by the manual weigh-out and manipulation of powdered nanomaterials inside of a downflow room. Dust exposures were at room background (under 0.04 mg/m3 and 500 particles/cm3) during these tasks however, manipulations conducted outside of the enclosure were correlated with a transient increase in concentration measured at the source. At site C, a digitally controlled reactor was used to produce aligned carbon nanotubes. This reactor was a closed system and the ventilation functioned as a redundant control measure. Process emissions were well controlled by this system with the exception of increased concentrations measured during the unloading of the product. However, this emission source could be easily controlled through increasing cabinet ventilation. The identification and adoption of effective control technologies is an important first step in reducing the risk associated with worker exposure to engineered nanoparticles. Properly designing and evaluating the effectiveness of these controls is a key component in a comprehensive health and safety program.
Topics: Aerosols; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Air Pollution, Indoor; Dust; Nanostructures; Nanotubes, Carbon; Occupational Exposure; Ventilation
PubMed: 24918905
DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2014.930559 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2020The aerosol properties of Mount Etna's passive degassing plume and its short-term processes and radiative impact were studied in detail during the EPL-RADIO campaigns...
The aerosol properties of Mount Etna's passive degassing plume and its short-term processes and radiative impact were studied in detail during the EPL-RADIO campaigns (summer 2016-2017), using a synergistic combination of observations and radiative transfer modelling. Summit observations show extremely high particulate matter concentrations. Using portable photometers, the first mapping of small-scale (within [Formula: see text] from the degassing craters) spatial variability of the average size and coarse-to-fine burden proportion of volcanic aerosols is obtained. A substantial variability of the plume properties is found at these spatial scales, revealing that processes (e.g. new particle formation and/or coarse aerosols sedimentation) are at play, which are not represented with current regional scale modelling and satellite observations. Statistically significant progressively smaller particles and decreasing coarse-to-fine particles burden proportion are found along plume dispersion. Vertical structures of typical passive degassing plumes are also obtained using observations from a fixed LiDAR station constrained with quasi-simultaneous photometric observations. These observations are used as input to radiative transfer calculations, to obtain the shortwave top of the atmosphere (TOA) and surface radiative effect of the plume. For a plume with an ultraviolet aerosol optical depth of 0.12-0.14, daily average radiative forcings of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], at TOA and surface, are found at a fixed location [Formula: see text] downwind the degassing craters. This is the first available estimation in the literature of the local radiative impact of a passive degassing volcanic plume.
PubMed: 32938969
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71635-1 -
Micromachines Nov 2021A novel compact laser absorption spectrometer is developed for colorimetric detection. We demonstrate the realization of the system as well as example measurements of...
A novel compact laser absorption spectrometer is developed for colorimetric detection. We demonstrate the realization of the system as well as example measurements of phosphate in water samples based on the malachite green (MG) method. A phosphate concentration range of 1 mg/L to 31.25 μg/L (which corresponds to a molar concentration range of 10.5 μmol/L to 329 nmol/L) is investigated. This photometer demonstrates the ease of integration of organic distributed feedback (DFB) lasers and their miniaturizability, leading the way toward optofluidic on-chip absorption spectrometers. We constructed an optically pumped organic second-order DFB laser on a transparent substrate, including a transparent encapsulation layer, to have access to both emission directions of the surface-emitting laser. Using the two different surface emission directions of the laser resonator allows monitoring of the emitted light intensity without using additional optical elements. Based on these advances, it is possible to miniaturize the measurement setup of a laser absorption spectrometer and to measure analytes, such as phosphate.
PubMed: 34945344
DOI: 10.3390/mi12121492 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2018To present a home-based visual field examination method using a PC monitor or virtual reality glasses and evaluate the reliability of the method by comparing the results...
PURPOSE
To present a home-based visual field examination method using a PC monitor or virtual reality glasses and evaluate the reliability of the method by comparing the results with those of the Humphrey perimeter, in order to assess the possibility of glaucoma screening through the Internet.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Software implementing a supra-threshold algorithm for the central 24° (52 points) of visual field at three threshold levels: 1) -4 db, 2) -8 db, and 3) -12 db, from the age-expected sensitivity was used for the purpose of testing. The software uses the web camera as a "virtual photometer" in order to detect room luminosity and allows self-testing using a computer monitor or virtual reality glasses using an Android smartphone with a 6-inch display. The software includes an expert system to analyze the visual field image and validate the reliability of the results. It also allows the physician to combine the results from two or more tests into a single test in order to achieve higher statistical accuracy of the final result. A total of ten patients, 20 eyes tested×52 points per eye=1,040 visual field test points, were compared point to point to those obtained using the Humphrey perimeter for the same patients, as they appeared randomly and consecutively at the glaucoma department within hours.
RESULTS
Good receiver operating characteristic/area under the curve coefficient was found, ranging from 0.762 to 0.837 (<0.001). Sensitivity ranged from 0.637 to 0.942, and specificity ranged from 0.735 to 0.497.
CONCLUSION
The home-based visual field test exhibits a reasonable receiver operating characteristic curve when compared to the Humphrey perimeter, without the need of specialized equipment. The test may be useful for glaucoma screening.
PubMed: 30587906
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S187832